Silvia Takes the 2016 Camaro on the Highway to Hell

byAmanda SilvaonOctober 23, 2015

Though it’s not necessarily demon-spawn, the new 2016 Chevy Camaro is, in fact, from Hell.

Founded in 1841, the town of Hell is located on Hell Creek in Michigan, so named because of original settler George Reeves’ habit of paying his farmers with whiskey, prompting their wives on payday to remark that their men had “gone to Hell again.”

Nifty!

That said, the 2016 Chevy Camaro will be roaring its way to your nearbyChevrolet dealer very soon, and it is one fearsome beast. Some might even call it devilish…

I’ve got the scoop on the hellacious 2016 Chevy Camaro right here if you dare the drive. No fear, kids. Trust me, you’ll want to “Find New Roads” in this new muscle-bound maniac.

The New 2016 Chevy Camaro – A Beast From Hell

For the 2016 model year, the new Camaro benefits from some exterior and interior enhancements, all built atop a new Cadillac-based chassis and backed by bigger engines.

This is the Camaro’s sixth generation, and as such, the Camaro gets a serious refresh. Borrowing the chassis from the Cadillac CTS, as well as the shorter ATS, the new Camaro boasts improved handling and upgraded comfort.

Compared to the current model year, the 2016 Camaro is shorter by two inches and narrower by about one inch. However, most people won’t be able to notice much of a difference with the naked eye. The new Camaro maintains its aggressive, ground-hugging position, intimidating and ready for race.

Motivating Chevy’s decision to switch up the platform was inspired by cost-effectiveness and improved fuel efficiency.

In addition, Chevy claims that the new Camaro offers thirty percent more rigidity than the current model but manages to drop 200 pounds, in part because of the implementation of aluminum materials to support various suspension and structural areas.

This is good news because lighter weight tends to equal greater speed and sharper responsiveness.

According to Chevy, the only architectural details to remain from the current Camaro are the SS badge and that beloved bowtie.

Just as Chevy chose not to mess with a classic formula when it comes to the Camaro’s looks, the brand also held onto the current drivetrains but did add one extra option, which features ultimate fuel efficiency.

Drivetrains in the 2016 Chevy Camaro – The Triple Threat

The new Camaro keeps two tried and true powertrains, but adds one more in the interest of fuel economy.

To start with, the 2016 Camaro gets its standard operation from a refreshed 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is able to produce 335 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque, supported with Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management, provided you choose the available eight-speed automatic transmission setup.

Keep in mind, this is the most powerful output delivered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine available throughout the complete sports car segment.

Getting its own nudge, the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine is now rated at 455 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine represents more power than ever seen before from any earlier Camaro SS model.

Brand new this year, Chevy has released an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which generates 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The beauty of this engine option is found in its impressive fuel economy, estimated to exceed 30 highway mph. Remarkably, performance doesn’t suffer, and so equipped, the 2016 Camaro crushes the zero to sixty mph test in just six seconds.

Whichever engine option you prefer, expect to find it paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic transmission, which comes with paddle shifters. I just love those!

The Dynamic Duo – Trim Levels in the 2016 Chevy Camaro

With this year’s Chevy Camaro, you’ll have a choice between two body styles, the coupe or convertible, which are divided even further across four trim levels: the 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, and 2SS.

The first main trim, the LT, will feature standard 18-inch wheels, with available 20-inch wheels. If you choose LT, you’ll have the option of enhancing it via the RS package, which provides high-intensity discharge headlights, complete with LED details, complemented by LED taillamps, a special grille insert, rear spoiler, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Your other trim options, represented by the SS, come equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires, in addition to LED taillights as standard equipment, not to mention sharper aerodynamics.

Brembo brakes, along with four-piston calipers in the front and back, come standard on the SS models, but are available for the first time this year on LT trims, too. The SS will also offer a limited-slip differential, and cooling systems keeping the differential, engine and transmission oil in check.

According to Chevy’s Performance Car Marketing Manager, Todd Christensen, “The 2016 SS design changes more fully express the true driving character of the sedan while further enhancing the car’s overall performance.”

Either Camaro allows you to choose a possible four driving modes, which are geared to help you better conquer driving conditions by enhancing the collaboration between transmission, traction, steering, and acceleration.

So, depending on the road ahead of you, choose from Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport, or, if you opt for the SS, you’ll have the additional fourth choice of Track.

An Improved Interior Throughout the 2016 Chevy Camaro
While you might not notice the slight changes in the 2016 Camaro’s exterior dimensions, you most certainly will appreciate the work Chevy has done to freshen up the inside of the car.

In an effort to keep pace with rivals like the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, Chevy had to spruce up the Camaro’s insides and did so by installing new details like analog controls complemented by completely configurable gauges, along with ambient lighting throughout that cabin, in addition to an eight-inch infotainment display, which is able to broadcast Chevy’s-exclusive MyLink system, with navigation and entertainment options.

Although the new Camaro sacrifices a bit in the way of headroom up front, it does pick up a teeny extra bit of legroom.

My Camaro of Choice: The 2016 Camaro Convertible

This year’s convertible option on the Camaro has an exciting feature in the form of the new “Non-Stop Drop Top.” The coolest thing about this convertible is that it is entirely electronic, able to lower at the single touch of a button, located on a key fob or overhead console.

If you’re cruising along and rainy skies suddenly give way to sunshine and rainbows, you can drop the top even while traveling at speeds up to thirty mph.

Really, when it comes to the new Camaro, you don’t have to choose your favorite. You can build it.

Chevy knows that Camaro drivers, especially, value customization and as such, the bow-tied brand will offer its new creation with a wealth of choices and creative possibilities.

Initially expected in the fall of 2015, it looks as though the wait continues, with a release likely expected very early in 2016. Despite the actual release date uncertainty, we do know that pricing will start at $26,695 and range upwards of $37,000.

Rather than twiddle your thumbs (do people still do that?) while you wait for the Camaro’s release at your Chevrolet dealer, check out the Camaro Visualizer and create your own Camaro, the perfect coupe or convertible to “Find New Roads.”